Instagram is reportedly preparing to launch Reels as a standalone app amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the US.

The potential move was discussed by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri during a staff meeting this week, The Information reported, citing an individual who heard his remarks.

Meta, Instagram's parent company, has not yet responded to a BBC request for comment.

In January, US President Donald Trump extended the deadline for TikTok to comply with a law signed by then-President Joe Biden, which mandates the platform's sale or potential ban, by 75 days.

Trump suggested that TikTok could operate under a joint venture, proposing a 50-50 partnership between "the United States" and its Chinese owner ByteDance. However, he did not elaborate on how such an arrangement would function.

The Biden administration has maintained that TikTok, with its 170 million US users, poses risks related to data security and potential Chinese government influence.

Critics of a ban argue that prohibiting the platform could infringe on freedom of speech.

Meta previously attempted to compete with TikTok by launching a standalone app called Lasso in 2018, but the project was eventually discontinued.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0949 HRS, FEB 27, 202
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